HK electoral changes to ensure 'one country, two systems', Li says

Patriots governing Hong Kong will ensure the steady implementation of "one country, two systems", Premier Li Keqiang said at a news conference on Thursday after the closing of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

The NPC adopted a decision on improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system during its closing session on Thursday.

In response to a question via video link, Li said the NPC decision has a clear purpose, which is to improve "one country, two systems".

He said the central government has made it clear that it will continue to "fully and accurately" implement the system under which Hong Kong people govern the city with a high degree of autonomy.

The central government will also continue to act in strict accordance with the Constitution and Hong Kong's Basic Law to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security in the city. The SAR government and the administration of the Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also has the full support of the central government.

Hong Kong faced multiple challenges last year and the central government hopes that all sectors in the city can work together to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, achieve economic growth, improve people's livelihoods and maintain prosperity and stability, Li said.

He added that Hong Kong has the central government's full support.